Kent Eby (‘94), Ph.D., assistant professor of mission and the director of the intercultural studies program, was named Professor of the Year. Eby is a fervent teacher who enthusiastically guides students into the worlds of Christian mission and intercultural studies. Eby’s concern for students extends beyond the classroom. He mentors them, listens to them, takes them on field trips, models Christian discipleship and enriches their thinking through probing dialogue. Students love Eby and organized the campaign for this award.

Professors and Alumni Contribute to Book Project

Four Bethel professors and alumni recently collaborated on a book project, “The Activist Impulse: Essays on the Intersection of Evangelicalism and Anabaptism,” which was released earlier this year by Pickwick Publications. Contributors include Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy Tim Erdel, Instructor of Writing Joel Boehner (’05) and former adjunct instructors and alumni David Cramer (’05) and Matthew Eaton (‘01). The 14-chapter project provides insight on multiple characteristics that Evangelicals and Anabaptists share and includes a chapter on the history and theology of the Missionary Church, as well as other essays of relevance to Bethel College. You can purchase the book at Amazon.com.

Exploring the Nature of Forgiveness

Cristian Mihut (’97), Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy, recently received a $43,500 research grant funded by the John Templeton Foundation on behalf of The Character Project at Wake Forest University. Mihut submitted his proposal under the Theology of Character competition entitled “New Frontiers in the Theology of Character.” Mihut’s research topic focuses on theological and secular conceptions of forgiveness. Mihut must attend and present his findings during a three-day conference in June of 2013, as well as submit a chapter-length version of his findings for a publication entitled “The Character Project: New Perspectives in Psychology, Philosophy, and Theology.”

Morris Retires

Robert Morris, D.Min., associate faculty in religion, retired after spending 15 years teaching a variety of Bible courses. Licensed for ministry in 1954, Morris has had a long and influential career in the ministry, pastoring in Oregon and Washington for 24 years (1954-1971; 1974-1981). He taught Greek, Bible and theology at Vennard College in Iowa from 1971-1974, and he returned to be the academic dean at Vennard from 1981-1989. He then took the role of conference superintendent in the North Central Conference of The Evangelical Church for eight years before retiring from full-time leadership in 1997. He moved to the Mishawaka area and began teaching Greek and Bible at Bethel College in 1989.

Stump Co-Edits Book

Professor of Philosophy Jim Stump (’91), Ph.D., recently co-edited the book “The Blackwell Companion to Science and Christianity.” The volume addresses major historical developments, methodological approaches and significant figures in the discipline. It also engages with both mutually supportive and contrasting ideas about evolution, Christian bioethics, cosmology and physics, the human sciences, metaphysics and perspectives on mind. You can purchase the book at Amazon.com.

Gillum Steps Up as New Nursing Dean

Deborah Gillum, Ph.D., replaced Carol Dorough, Ed.D., as Bethel’s new dean of nursing on July 1. Gillum is no stranger to Bethel. In 2004, she was hired as an adjunct faculty member in the nursing department. She eventually moved into roles as assis-tant professor and associate dean of nursing. Earlier in her career, she served as a staff nurse and family nurse practitioner at several facilities. She successfully defended her research, “Cardiovascular Knowledge, Beliefs and Healthcare Practices of Old Order Amish of Northern Indiana,” and graduated with a doctorate in nursing from Rush University Medical Center in 2010.

Webmaster Writes Book

Joshua Gulledge (’02), Bethel webmaster and adjunct faculty member, recently published “Building A Modern & Complex Website, The Easy Way, With MODX Revolution.” It’s a practical guide to explain how to use MODX and understand its strategies while getting the most out of your website with the least amount of work. This book is intended for those who have at least a basic understanding of HTML/CSS and are beginners to MODX and/or to a CMS product. You can purchase it at Amazon.com.

Meister Releases New Book

Zondervan recently published “Christian Apologetics: An Anthology of Primary Sources” by Chad Meister, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and theology. This fascinating collection provides selected readings addressing key issues in the history of Christian apologetics. Selections are taken from history’s most notable defenders of Christian faith — including Saint Augustine, C. S. Lewis and Pope Benedict XVI. In all, more than 50 significant writings are arranged topically with introductions, author images, discus-sion questions, a bibliography and an author index.

Geoghan Receives Doctorate

Darlene Geoghan (’03), Ed.D., assistant professor of nursing, recently finished her doctorate of education from Walden University. She completed her dissertation on “Factors Associated with Critical Care Nurse Use of Evidence Based Practice.”

Helmuth Returns as Admission Director

Andrea Helmuth (’95) returns to Bethel as the director of admission. Helmuth served as Bethel’s director of admission from 1999-2003 before relocating to Biola University, where she spent the past nine years as the associate director of admissions. Helmuth also serves as the NACCAP (North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals) vice president of professional development and sits on the executive council.

Eskridge Receives Award

Irene Eskridge, instructor of education and assistant director of education graduate programs, recently received the “Now Black Woman Award” at the 56th Annual Drifters Convention in Orlando, Fla. Eskridge received the award for her outstanding Drifter involvement/activities, attendance, Drifter conventions and contributions to education, community and civic involvement. She is also the immediate national past president for the organization. During her four years as president, Eskridge built the organization by adding three new chapters, creating a website and increasing scholarships for women.